Page 89 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
P. 89
Around the World in 80 Days
great blocks of syenite. All this portion of Bundelcund,
which is little frequented by travellers, is inhabited by a
fanatical population, hardened in the most horrible
practices of the Hindoo faith. The English have not been
able to secure complete dominion over this territory,
which is subjected to the influence of rajahs, whom it is
almost impossible to reach in their inaccessible mountain
fastnesses. The travellers several times saw bands of
ferocious Indians, who, when they perceived the elephant
striding across-country, made angry arid threatening
motions. The Parsee avoided them as much as possible.
Few animals were observed on the route; even the
monkeys hurried from their path with contortions and
grimaces which convulsed Passepartout with laughter.
In the midst of his gaiety, however, one thought
troubled the worthy servant. What would Mr. Fogg do
with the elephant when he got to Allahabad? Would he
carry him on with him? Impossible! The cost of
transporting him would make him ruinously expensive.
Would he sell him, or set him free? The estimable beast
certainly deserved some consideration. Should Mr. Fogg
choose to make him, Passepartout, a present of Kiouni, he
would be very much embarrassed; and these thoughts did
not cease worrying him for a long time.
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